Overview

• Obama described recent federal actions as “consistent with autocracies,” cautioning that normalizing such behavior would be difficult to reverse.
• He criticized President Donald Trump’s administration for exhibiting a “weak commitment” to democratic principles established since World War II.
• He urged people both inside and outside government to resist intimidation and uphold the rule of law, specifically highlighting the roles of lawyers, judges and business leaders.
• He identified the erosion of shared facts and the proliferation of misinformation as a critical threat to American democracy.
• Despite his warnings, Obama maintained optimism and encouraged citizens to pursue common ground and take impatient action against injustice.